How Much Does It Cost To Replace Tyres?

The tyres on your car hold the weight of your vehicle, provide handling benefits, and help to protect you against impacts. They put up with a lot of friction and heat every time you drive, so they can become weak and must be replaced over time.

Maintaining your car can be costly and challenging to keep up with as it is, so it can be tempting to overlook the need to replace your tyres. However, this could cost you in more ways than one.

In this article, we’ll discuss the average cost of replacing your car tyres and the when and why of replacing them.

Originally written by Katie Francis, 7 September 2021. Edited by William Jolly 6 July 2023.

On this page:

• Why do you need to replace your car’s tyres?
• How often do you need to replace your tyres?
• How can you tell when you need to replace your tyres?
• The average cost of replacing tyres in Australia
• Factors influencing the cost of tyre replacement
• Tips to save on tyre replacement costs
• Car repair loans

Why do you need to replace your car’s tyres?

There are both safety and efficiency reasons for replacing your car’s tyres promptly.

Old tyres can be dangerous

Tyre replacement isn't just a matter of maintenance; it's a safety concern. Keeping your vehicle safe for you, your passengers, and other motorists is essential.

Having worn or damaged tyres can lead to the following safety issues:

• Reduced traction: A worn-out tyre doesn’t grip the road or provide efficient traction. This can affect the handling and stopping distance of your car.
• Reduced control in wet weather conditions: This could leave you spinning or skidding when you least expect them to.
• Air pressure will decrease faster: Tyres with no treads (commonly called ‘bald tyres’) quickly lose air pressure.
• Tyres could blow out altogether: A potential tyre blowout is a fear for many drivers. Bald tyres generate more heat through friction than tyres with treads. Should this heat rise to a dangerous level, you risk a tyre exploding while in motion and dealing with costly repairs.

Old tyres decrease your car’s performance

Worn tyres can adversely affect your car’s performance in several ways. They can mainly lead to reduced fuel efficiency: A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found that every 1% decrease in tyre pressure correlated to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy.

That means a tyre with pressure 40% below the recommended level could increase your fuel consumption by 8%.

New, well-maintained tyres are crucial to keeping your vehicle performing optimally.

See also: The ongoing costs of owning a car.

How often do you need to replace your tyres?

The frequency with which you should replace your tyres depends on various factors, such as your driving habits, the roads you drive on, the climate, and the make and model of your tyres. 

On average, a set of tyres lasts around five to seven years, sometimes even up to 10 or more. But you should regularly check your tyres for signs of wear and damage.

How can you tell when you need to replace your tyres?

With a quick visual and physical inspection, it can be easy to determine if your tyres are worn or damaged and need replacing. Autoguru recommends looking out for the following: 

• Vibration through the steering wheel or body of the vehicle;
• Increased stopping distances;
• Decreased handling ability;
• Screeching noise when cornering;
• Decreased ride quality;
• Steering wheel off centre or vehicle pulling to one side.

You can also physically see if your tyres need replacing by looking at the read depth. Most tyres come with tread wear bars that help identify when the tread is worn out. But generally, the tread on a typical tyre shouldn’t fall below 16mm in depth.

Cracks, bulges or punctures are also more apparent signs a tyre needs replacing.

See also: The 10 most common car repairs.

The average cost of replacing tyres in Australia

According to Autoguru, the average tyre price in Australia can cost anywhere from $80 to $800+, depending on the size, brand, and type of vehicle. For a small car, tyres can start under $100 and go all the way up to $300 or more; for SUVs and sports cars, tyres can easily cost $700 or more.

Drive meanwhile calculates that the typical cost of four tyres in 2022 was approximately $750.

Note that these prices are for new tyres only. You can purchase tyres second-hand, but investing in the highest quality tyres you can afford is generally recommended. Buying new tyres may come at a higher premium; however, they should save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace them as regularly as used tyres.

Read more: The most expensive car repairs in Australia.

The cheapest car tyres in Australia

Based on Canstar Blue’s analysis, here are some of the cheapest car tyres available from major tyre brands and retailers as of 2022:

Average cost of tyres and servicing

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) releases a quarterly Transport Affordability Index that tracks the typical household costs of fuel, car loan payments, insurance, registration and more.

According to the latest report for Q1 2023 (January to March), the typical two-person Aussie household spends around $34 per week - or $1,760 - on tyres and servicing. That was an $80 increase since the previous quarter in 2022.

The AAA’s data shows Canberra residents paid the most to service their cars, at an average annual cost of nearly $2,300!

Factors influencing the cost of tyre replacement

There are several key factors that influence the cost of replacing your tyres, such as:

• Tyre Size: Larger tyres tend to be more expensive.
• Tyre Brand and Quality: High-end and premium brands will cost more.
• Vehicle Type: Tyres for SUVs or high-performance vehicles are usually more expensive.
• Installation Cost: Costs can vary depending on the retailer or garage.

Another critical factor is how long it’s been since you last had your car serviced or your tyres checked. This could be the difference between replacing only one tyre or all four.

Tips to save on tyre replacement costs

Below are a few handy tips you can use to save on the cost of replacing your tyres.

Remember though: while cost is a significant factor, it's essential not to compromise on the quality or suitability of your tyres too much, as they are a crucial component of your vehicle's safety and performance.

Regular maintenance and servicing

Regular tyre maintenance can extend the lifespan of your tyres and save you money in the long run. This includes regular tyre rotations, proper pressure, and correcting your car's alignment and balance.

Following your car’s servicing schedule is the easiest way to do this (you can also identify other problems this way!).

Shop around for better value tyres

Prices can vary significantly between different brands, retailers, and service centres. Looking around and comparing prices can help you find the best value for your money. 

Online tyre retailers can sometimes offer competitive prices and loyalty discounts, so don't forget to check these.

Buy in bulk

If you need to replace more than one tyre, consider buying in bulk. Many retailers offer discounts when you purchase multiple tyres at once. For example, they commonly offer things like ‘Buy three, get one free’ promotions, which could save you a fair bit of cash. 

It might also make sense to buy a handful of tyres and keep them handy in storage until you need them.

Check out a car repair loan

If your car’s been in a wreck or your service ended up costing an eye-watering amount, don’t fret. You don’t have to dip into your savings: a car repair loan with Jacaranda Finance could be the solution instead.

Written by - William Jolly

Content Manager

William is the Content Manager at Jacaranda Finance. He has worked as both a journalist and a media advisor at some of Australia's biggest financial comparison sites such as Canstar, Compare the Market and Savings.com.au, and is passionate about helping Australians find the right money solution for them.

You can get in touch with William via williamj@jacarandafinance.com.au.

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